More rarely used symbols

Bulgarian phonetic symbol

IPA equivalent(s)

Description

√§

ranges between √¶ and a

more open variant of √™ (a, or open front un-rounded)

Since the Bulgarian ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ counterparts of postalveolar consonants, found for example
in Rupa dialects of Bulgarian, are realized as palatalized postalveolar rather than
alveolo-palatal, we do not list any special symbols for them.

Subtle shades of pronunciation are sometimes indicated by superscript letters.

Correlation between the Bulgarian phonetic transcription and the IPA

Most symbols for the consonants could survive automatic change but the vowels would pose
difficulties if automatic change is applied to unedited texts, primarily due to different
manners in which vowel reduction was indicated. Thus eŐ£ can phonetically be equivalent to ńó,
and reduced a can be written with a separate symbol (”ô) or as aŐ£. It would also be very hard
to indicate the stress in the way prescribed by the IPA without considering syllabic boundaries.

The phonetic transcription used in this part of the project is based entirely on the symbols
prescribed by the IPA. The transcription is narrow, which means that all perceivable phonetic
variation is taken into account, except for purely physiological and accidental processes,
such as vowel nasalization between nasal consonants or word-finally. Other phonetic details,
frequently deemed automatic and hence of no linguistic value, including vowel reduction,
consonant palatalization before front vowels, voicing assimilation and devoicing of final
obstruents will be represented.

The reason for such an approach is two-fold. In order to claim that a variation
has phonemic versus purely phonetic significance, it is necessary to offer a
comprehensive phonological analysis which could prove hard to attain in view
of sometimes incomplete material, not to speak of the possibility of
theoretically biased analysis. More importantly, consistent dialect differences
could be found on sub-phonemic level and nevertheless they can be not only
of classificatory importance for investigators but may be recognized by
native speakers as markers of local identity or as sociolinguistic variables.

The sound system of each locality is represented as a list of the inventory
of phonetic segments with their full description by the IPA recommended terms,
e.g. voiceless palatalized bilabial stop commonly written –Ņ‚Äô in Bulgarian
transcription (we find it redundant to add ‚Äúpulmonic egressive‚ÄĚ),
followed by the IPA symbol p ≤.

Pending the reaction of the users, some of the lesser known symbols could be replaced by
less accurate but better known symbols for the sake of accessibility.

Principles of phonetic description

The vowels are compared to the vowels of standard Bulgarian. In turn they can be positioned in the well-known system of cardinal vowels developed by Daniel Jones (Jones, D. 1962: 31‚Äď41), which serves as a base of the IPA vowel chart. Their positions can be described as follows (the abbreviation CV stands for ‚Äúcardinal vowel‚ÄĚ):

–ł (i) ‚Äď very close to 1CV;

–Ķ (e) ‚Äď between 2CV and 3CV;

—ä (…§) ‚Äď centralized 15CV;

–į (√§) ‚Äď low central vowel (the use of –į for √§ is accepted in phonetic publications);

—É (u) ‚Äď very close to 16CV;

o (o) ‚Äď between 7CV and 6CV.

⚫ Vowels of standard Bulgarian

⚫ Cardinal vowels

Positions of the vowels of standard Bulgarian vs Cardinal vowels

When the dialect vowels are in same region as their standard counterparts, this is briefly stated in the beginning of the transcription. In most villages this is the case with the vowels i, …§, a, u. In many villages the vowels e and o are raised approximately to 2CV for e and 7CV for o, which is explicitly stated in the description. In addition, they may have closed on-glide, j for e, and w for o. In the former case, the j is combined with the preceding consonant into a palatalized consonant, and in the latter case, as labialized consonants do not exist in the inventory, it is interpreted as a separate sound.

Vowels that are far from any of the cardinal vowels, like —č (…®), are adequately described by the position of the symbol in the IPA vowel chart. If an allophone of such a vowel is close to a cardinal vowel, it is used as a reference point, as in the case with …Į, which approximates 16CV.

The raised pronunciation of e and o is found in many villages in the Corpus. It occurs in all subdivisions of the two major dialect types ‚Äď western and eastern. On the other hand, in each subdivision there are villages in which such raising does not occur. The raised o is slightly more frequent than the raised e. Only future research can determine whether this is an old feature brought from the previous locations in Bulgaria, or an instance of Romanian influence.

The vowel reduction is found in eastern dialects, in addition to some minor, exceptional cases in the eastern-most subdivision of the western group; for example At√Ęrn√°Ň£i from the IskŇ≠r-Vit group, where a and o may be reduced respectively to ”ô and u.

In both Romanian villages the retracted variant of the vowel …®, transcribed here as …Į, is very frequent. In Bulgarian Pavlikjani locations, according to my own observations, this variant appears when eňÉi (e.g. in Rakovski), but not when eňÉeŐĚ (e.g. in TrŇ≠nńćovica and ŇĹitnica).

The basic difference in the consonant inventories concerns the palatal correlation. In the eastern dialects, all but post-alveolar consonants have palatalized correlates functioning as separate phonemes, including the lateral l and the nasal n. These palatalized consonants are traditionally referred to as ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ. In western dialects no such correlation exists and only the consonants k, g, l, and n have soft counterparts, however, as Stojko Stojkov asserts, their softness is very strong (–°—ā–ĺ–Ļ–ļ–ĺ–≤, –°. 1993: 213). Leaving aside the soft correlates of k and g for now, that means that the western soft counterparts of l and n have primary palatal place of articulation ( é and …≤), unlike the eastern soft l and n, which are alveolar with secondary articulation in the palatal region ‚Äď l ≤ and n ≤. Benjo Conev used the term ‚Äúfused palatality‚ÄĚ for the former and ‚Äúseparate palatality‚ÄĚ for the latter (Array [613] 3: 212).

In strict phonetic terms, the soft counterparts of k and g, in both eastern and western dialects, also have their articulation displaced in the palatal region, rather than secondary articulation imposed on the primary velar one. However, it was decided not to use the symbols for the palatal stops ‚Äď c and …ü ‚Äď for two reasons. Firstly, the articulation of the these soft counterparts remains dorsal and in the back part of the palate, and, more importantly, k and g have exactly the same articulation before front vowels, but this fronting is no more salient than in other languages and does not affect the perception of the consonants as essentially velar, leaving aside the problem of readability.

As can be expected, this difference can become blurred near the boundary. Thus, in the eastern-most part of the western dialects a number of palatalized consonants may appear, as in the dialect of At√Ęrn√°Ň£i (IskŇ≠r-Vit group).

Compared to standard Bulgarian, almost all the villages in the Corpus have a different pronunciation of the phonologically ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ consonant l. It is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization of l is stronger before front vowels.

Syllabic liquids are another feature that clearly delineates eastern from western dialects. Their pronunciation is unstable in most cases and one can hear a full or shorter schwa-like vowel on either side of the liquid, especially if a voiced segment is involved; yet the fact that no one would be tempted to indicate a syllabic consonant in an eastern dialect is evidence, albeit elusive, of their phonetic reality in western dialects.

Vowels

In comparison to standard Bulgarian the following features are worth noting.

The vowel e in stressed positions is raised compared to the standard e and closely approximates 2CV. In unstressed positions it is close to the standard e, between 2CV and 3CV.

The vowel o is raised and more rounded compared to the standard o and closely approximates 7CV.

The vowel …Į is relatively rare. It is found as a variant of —ä in combination with r and l in both stressed and unstressed syllables: 'd…Įrtite, 'b…Įlgar:te, b…Įl'garij”ô.

The vowel —ä, word-finally in generalized accusative feminine forms, is pronounced more openly, approximating 14CV ( Ć). This vowel is not found in verbal endings.

Though phonological analysis is beyond the scope of these notes, I interpret the latter two vowels as variants of …§.

The vowel …õ is lexically restricted to the aorist form of vzema ‚Äėtake‚Äô 'z…õ”ô, but the form has been recorded more than once. Quite rarely, the stressed reflex of jat in a palatal environment is also somewhat more open than the usual stressed e, but it is more in the region of standard e (between 2CV and 3CV) and does not call for an additional symbol: n”ô'meri, n”ô'mesti”ô.

Vowel reduction: unstressed a and …§ are pronounced as ”ô, unstressed o as u.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

a

ňąas, ňąznae É

i

ňąimi

e

ruňąden

stressed e approximates 2CV

…õ

ňąz…õ”ô

lexically restricted

…Į

b…Įlňągarij”ô

stressed —ä sporadically raised

…§

ňąp…§t

u

ňątuk”ô

o

ňąxor”ô

stressed o approximates 7CV

Ć

vujňąn Ć

most frequent in generalized accusative feminine ending

”ô

d”ôrňąva

reduced a and —ä

Approximants

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

j

b…Įlňągarij”ô

Consonants

The voiceless velar fricative x is preserved before back rounded vowels: v”ôr'xo, 'xor”ô. In other positions it is substituted by laryngeal fricative h, in past-tense endings by —Ą, ő≤ or v.

Consonants are regularly palatalized before stressed e.

The compensatory lengthened continuant consonants are in fact half-long most of the time, but : rather than a single dot was chosen to indicate it uniformly.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically palatalized lateral is also post-alveolar but with more complete palatalization; that is, raising the tongue towards the hard palate.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

preňąturi

b

ňąxube

—Ą

ňąb ≤a—Ą

ő≤

ňąb ≤aő≤me

only in past-tense endings

f

ňąfan”ô

v

ňąsljivin

t

ňątri

d

ňądrugu

s

siňąd ≤ah

z

k”ôzňąm Ćt”ô

tsÕ°

ňąm ≤estsÕ°”ô

É

Éejňąse

∆∑

muňą∆∑av

t ÉÕ°

uňąt ÉÕ°isti

d∆∑Õ°

ňąsv”ôrd∆∑Õ°im

k

ňąvik”ô

g

ňągudi”ô, ňągol”ô

x

ňąxube

h

ňąhil ≤”ôdi

m

miňąna

n

ňąnie

r

izbeňąre

l

ňąglanni

l is slightly palatalized in all positions and palatalized before front vowels

Vowels

In comparison to standard Bulgarian the following features are worth noting.

The vowel e in a stressed position is raised compared to the standard e and is in the region of 2CV or slightly above it. The more raised variation seems to depend on the degree of stress and not on the type of syllable or neighbouring consonants.

The vowel o is raised and more rounded compared to the standard o and is in the region of 7CV or slightly above it. The raised variant is preferred in closed syllables.

The vowel …® is used in its etymological place or after post-alveolar consonants: 't…®kvi, m”ô' É…®n”ôt”ô.

The vowel …Į is found in combination with r in the word 'kr…Įsnik, but …§ is also found in such combinations.

Vowel reduction: unstressed a and …§ are pronounced as ”ô, unstressed o as u.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

a

ňąslam”ô

i

ňązbir”ô”ô

e

niňądel ≤”ô

stressed e approximates 2CV

eŐĚ

v”ôrňą ÉeŐĚmi

stressed e sometimes raised above 2CV

…Į

ňąkr…Įsnik

stressed —ä sporadically raised

…§

ziňąm…§

u

ňąkumin,ňątuk

o

ňąroden

stressed o approximates 7CV

oŐĚ

ňąpoŐĚpu

stressed o sometimes raised above 7CV

…®

ňąt…®kvi, ňąr…®zi

jery etymological or after post-alveolar consonants as in ňą∆∑…®to

”ô

ňązem”ôt

reduced a and —ä

Approximants

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

j

ňąmoj”ô

w

ňąwos”ôm

rarely before initial stressed o

Consonants

Palatal correlation is fully developed with all but post-alveolar consonants.

The compensatory lengthening of continuant consonants is much less frequent than in the Moesian group; it is, in fact, quite sporadic.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

ňąpoŐĚpu

b

ňąblagu

f

ňąf…§rg”ôt

v

tuňąva

t

ňątur”ôt

d

vuňąd…§

s

ňąsob”ô

z

ňąz…§rn”ô

tsÕ°

kuňąn ≤etsÕ°

É

duňą Éeg”ô

∆∑

dr”ôňą∆∑…§t

t ÉÕ°

ňąt ÉÕ°eŐĚrkuv”ôt”ô

d∆∑Õ°

p”ôtl”ôňąd∆∑Õ°ani

k

ňąduduk

g

ňągotvimi

x

ňątex

very rare, in this example slightly palatalized

m

ňąpravimi

n

siňąnij”ôt”ô

r

ňąsvire”ô

l

ňąselu

Ó°č ≤

ňąl ≤eb”ô

all but post-alveolar consonants have palatalized counterparts, used mostly before stressed e

Vowels

The six vowels are in the same positions as their standard counterparts, the stressed e being between 2CV and 3CV and the stressed o between 7CV and 6CV.

Long vowels appear after the loss of x. The compensatory lengthening does not affect vowel quality.

Unstressed vowels remain unchanged.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

a

ňąnaesen

i

ňąsito

e

ňąvreme

stressed e between 2CV and 3CV

…§

ňąz…§bi

u

ňąubavo

o

ňąstoka

stressed o between 6CV and 7CV

Ó°č:

ňąbe:me

x deletion compensated by lengthening of preceding vowel

Approximants

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

j

ňąjagne

Consonants

Syllabic liquids are fairly consistent, more consistent than in other western dialects of the Corpus.

Palatalized consonants appear sporadically before stressed e, as in 'r ≤etko (the only non-western feature of the consonant system), but never before non-front vowels. The soft correlates of l and n are palatal rather than palatalized consonants. The softness of n before front vowels is not automatic: 'tsÕ°…§fne, 'b ≤ega…≤e.

The loss of x is consistent, also the lengthening of the preceding vowel before consonants.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

pedeňąse

b

ňąbera

f

ňąfermite

v

ňąvedro

t

ňąstro Éi É

d

ňądole

s

ňąslama

z

ňązimno

tsÕ°

ňątritsÕ°i

dzÕ°

dzÕ°…§vňąnetsÕ°…§

É

ňąduma Éeme

∆∑

ňąve∆∑di

t ÉÕ°

ňąot ÉÕ°i

d∆∑Õ°

platiňąd∆∑Õ°ane

k

ňąluk

g

ňągodin

m

ňąs ≤emeto

n

faňąnali

…≤

ňą…≤im, ňąb ≤ega…≤e

palatal rather than palatalized soft correlate of n; not automatic before front vowels

Vowels

The six vowels are in the same positions as their standard counterparts, the stressed e being between 2CV and 3CV and the stressed o between 7CV and 6CV. Initial stressed o is regularly preceded by w.

Long vowels appear after the loss of x in past-tense endings before consonants. The compensatory lengthening does not affect vowel quality.

Unstressed a und …§ are reduced to ”ô, unstressed o to u. The vowel …Į is found in unstressed endings of feminine nouns, including the definite article, as in 'slam…Įt…Į.

The diphthong –ĺ–įÕ° has entered domestic lexemes: pr–ĺ–įÕ°'sa∆∑dame.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

a

ňąjaze, ňąranim

i

ňąimam, ňąvlasiti

e

eňąrema

stressed e between 2CV and 3CV

…Į

ňąslam…Įt…Į

reduction of a in post-stressed syllables; occasional

…§

ňąr…§k…§t”ô

u

ňąbubretsÕ°i

o

ňąoftsÕ°i

stressed o between 6CV and 7CV

”ô

gr”ôňądinite

reduced a and —ä

–ĺ–įÕ°

ňą Ék–ĺ–įÕ°l”ô

found in Romanian words

Ó°č:

ňąvlat ÉÕ°e:me

x deletion compensated by lengthening of preceding vowel

Approximants

In the final position in past-tense endings x is replaced by the palatal approximant j or more rarely by the velar approximant …į.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

j

ňąjagne

w

ňąworu, ňąwog”ôn

…į

ňąbe…į, ňąode…į

occasional replacement of x in past-tense ending; regularly x > j

Consonants

The soft correlates of l and n are palatal rather than palatalized consonants. The softness of n before front vowels is not automatic: 's…§xne, 'sire…≤e. Palatalized alveolar lateral é appears before palatalized velars, as in pre'sti éki. Before front vowels palatalized alveolar l ≤ is pronounced, as in pu'l ≤etu, and also in words like 'l ≤uk”ô.

Other palatalized consonants are extremely rare and not included in the inventory. Palatalized d appears in the word iz'vad ≤uf after the rounding of i to u while the normally soft d is replaced by g ≤.

The loss of x is consistent in past-tense endings, but may be preserved in words like 's…§xne and 'vext”ôt”ô.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically palatalized lateral is also post-alveolar, but with more complete palatalization; that is, raising the tongue towards the hard palate.

A third lateral consonant, é, with a palatal place of articulation, is pronounced before palatalized velars.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

pedeňąse

b

ubleňąklo

f

k”ôrňątofi

v

ňąvinu

t

esňąt…§k

d

veňądrotu

s

ňąsite

z

ziňąm…§t”ô

tsÕ°

preňątsÕ°edi É

dzÕ°

ňądzÕ°adnij”ô

É

ňą Éini

∆∑

v”ôňą∆∑e

t ÉÕ°

uft ÉÕ°”ôrňąl…§k

d∆∑Õ°

ňąsid∆∑Õ°im

k

kukuňąruz”ô

g

ňąga Éti

x

ňąs…§xne

m

puňąmie

n

ňąna Ét”ô

r

ňąrabut”ô

l

luňąpat”ôt”ô

l is slightly palatalized in all positions and palatalized before front vowels

Vowels

The six vowels are in the same positions as their standard counterparts, the stressed e being between 2CV and 3CV and the stressed o between 7CV and 6CV. Stressed o is sometimes preceded by w, mostly after k.

Long vowels appear after the loss of x in past-tense endings before consonants. The compensatory lengthening does not affect vowel quality.

Unstressed a and …§ reduced to ”ô, but sometimes remain unchanged, especially …§ in combination with liquids. Unstressed o is sometimes reduced to u.

Approximants

Consonants

The soft correlates of l and n are palatal rather than palatalized consonants: 'sire…≤e, kukuňą éa Éka. The softness of n before front vowels is not automatic: 'fane, 'sire…≤e.

Other palatalized consonants are extremely rare, as in 'tsÕ° ≤ala, with an atypical reflex of jat.

The progressive devoicing of v in words like 'kfo is regular.

The voiced velar fricative …£ has been recorded only once.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.
The phonologically ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ lateral has palatal place of articulation.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

ňąplate Ée

b

beňąla

f

ňąfr…§li É

v

voňąlove

t

vreňąteno

d

ňądini

s

ňąsit ÉÕ°kite

z

ňązememe

tsÕ°

ňąstsÕ°epeno

dzÕ°

n…§ňądzÕ°at

É

duňą Éeg”ô

∆∑

ňą∆∑ito

t ÉÕ°

ňąt ÉÕ°es…§n

d∆∑Õ°

ňąpend∆∑Õ°ure

k

ňąkurki

g

ňągajd…§

…£

ňąne…£i

voiced velar fricative; recorded once

m

ňąsakame

n

koňąni

r

reňąd…§

l

ňąvlat ÉÕ°…§

l is slightly palatalized in all positions and palatalized before front vowels

Approximants

Consonants

The soft correlates of l and n are palatal rather than palatalized consonants: i'ma…≤eto, kuku' éa Éka. The softness of n before front vowels is not automatic: o'∆∑…§neme, bra'…≤e.

The loss of x is consistent, also the lengthening of the preceding vowel before consonants.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ lateral has a palatal place of articulation.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

poňąleto

b

ňąbelime

f

ňąrafie

v

ňąv…§∆∑e

t

teňągivana

d

ňąd…§ski

s

seňąjalo

z

zavleňąt ÉÕ°eme

tsÕ°

ňąoftsÕ°i

É

ňąr…§ É

∆∑

ňą∆∑apka

t ÉÕ°

et ÉÕ°uňąmik

d∆∑Õ°

ald∆∑Õ°eňąrie

k

koňąt ÉÕ°ane

g

goňąveda

m

ňąsakame

n

ňąsnopove

…≤

iňąma…≤eto

r

ňąvra

l

ňądo É…§l

l is slightly palatalized in all positions and palatalized before front vowels

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ lateral has a palatal place of articulation.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

ňąpred…§

b

ňąbele:me

f

ňąftasam, ňąfurka

v

ňąpovn…§

t

puňąturi

d

proňądava:me

s

ňąsnop

z

duňąze…≤a

tsÕ°

tsÕ°eňąv…§

dzÕ°

dzÕ°…§rdzÕ°…§ňąvat

É

ňą Éuma

∆∑

ňą∆∑…§ne:me

t ÉÕ°

t ÉÕ°eňąk…§rk

d∆∑Õ°

dimiňąd∆∑Õ°anki

k

k…§rňąkata

g

ňągra∆∑da

x

ňąxajni

m

ňąmet ÉÕ°ka

n

ňąfn…§tre

…≤

ňąko…≤e

palatal rather than palatalized soft correlate of n; not automatic before front vowels

Vowels

The stressed e is frequently but not regularly raised to the region of 2CV. The stressed o is raised and approximates 7CV. The vowels i, …§, a, and u are in the same positions as their standard counterparts.

Long vowels appear after the loss of x in past-tense endings before consonants. The compensatory lengthening does not affect vowel quality.

The vowel …® has been recorded in the word maňą É…®ni.

Unstressed vowels are mostly unchanged, but forms like 'krav…§t…§ and 'reku have been recorded.

Approximants

Consonants

The soft correlates of l and n are palatal rather than palatalized consonants: 'kopa…≤e, kuku' éa Éki. The softness of n before front vowels is not automatic: 'neguf, 'kopa…≤e.

Atypical for a western dialect, palatalized consonants appear before stressed e, as in 'm ≤esetsÕ° and o'r ≤ex…§.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ lateral has a palatal place of articulation.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

naňąpoi

b

ňąbure…≤e

f

buňąfet…§

v

ňąkrav…§t…§

t

ňątikvi

d

ňądo É…§l

s

ňąsade:me

z

duňąz…§rna

tsÕ°

oňątsÕ°et

É

ňąpu Éka

∆∑

ňą∆∑ito

t ÉÕ°

koňąt ÉÕ°ane

k

kukuňąrus

k ≤

ňąk ≤opa

g

ňągodini

m

ňąmama

n

ňąrano

…≤

ňąkopa…≤e

r

ňąreko

l

ňąmlogo

l is slightly palatalized in all positions and palatalized before front vowels

Vowels

The six vowels i, e, a, …§, o, u are in the same positions as their standard counterparts. Initial stressed o may be preceded by w: 'wofÕ°sit ≤e.

The vowel …® is used rarely after post-alveolar consonants: ňą É…®ti.

Vowel reduction: unstressed a is reduced to …§, while unstressed …§ remains unchanged. Unstressed o is reduced to u, unstressed e reduced to i word-finally and kept otherwise: 'nejdi and 'nosew…§ (but 'ube).

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

a

ňąga Éti

i

ňąi Éti

e

ňą Éepki

stressed e between 2CV and 3CV

…§

ňąkr…§ Ét…§

u

ňąfust…§

o

ňąsol ≤

stressed o between 7CV and 6CV

…®

ňą É…®ti

very rare

Approximants

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

j

r…§ňątsÕ°oj

w

ňązew…§

Consonants

Consonants are regularly palatalized before stressed e.

The compensatory lengthened continuant consonants are in fact half-long most of the time but : rather than a single dot was chosen to indicate it uniformly.

All but post-alveolar consonants have palatalized correlates. Palatalized consonants are regularly used in the final position.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically palatalized lateral is also post-alveolar but with more complete palatalization; that is, raising the tongue towards the hard palate.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

ňąpopu

b

t ÉÕ°urňąb…§

ő≤

iňągraő≤mi

in free variation with w

f

ňąfust…§

v

vet ÉÕ°eňąro

t

ňątuk…§n…§

d

niňądel ≤…§

s

ňąsr ≤ad…§

z

ňąz…§m…§

tsÕ°

ňąwoftsÕ°it ≤e

dzÕ°

uňądzÕ°at ≤

É

ňąk…§ Éti

∆∑

ňą∆∑eni

t ÉÕ°

ňąkok…§ ét ÉÕ°et…§

d∆∑Õ°

striňąd∆∑Õ°e

k

kuňąko Ék…§

g

gurňąt ÉÕ°uv…§

m

m…§ňąslini

n

ňąnosew…§

r

ňąriz…§

l

kuňąlat…§

l is slightly palatalized in all positions and palatalized before front vowels

Vowels

The six vowels i, e, a, …§, o, u are in the same positions as their standard counterparts.

The vowel y replaces i in stressed syllables before labial consonants. In the same position, the vowel u with preceding palatalized consonant is also used.

The vowel √¶ replaces a after t ÉÕ° in stressed syllables: venňąt ÉÕ°√¶…§d. Other post-alveolar consonants do not trigger the same change.

Vowel reduction: unstressed a is reduced to …§, while unstressed …§ remains unchanged. Unstressed o is reduced to u.

Unstressed e reduced to i word-finally, except in plural masculine endings: 'im…§wmi, but 'g…§l…§be. It is inconsistent in other positions: d∆∑Õ°ile'za. Unstressed i can be replaced by e: puder.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

a

ňąkan…§, ňąxodia, uňąblit ÉÕ°”ôa

final a very frequently, especially phrase-finally unreduced

i

ňąisk…§

y

puňąlyv…§m

in free variation with u with palatalized preceding consonant

e

ňą∆∑eltu

stressed e between 2CV and 3CV

…§

ňąp…§t ≤u

u

ňąbulk…§t…§

o

d…§ňąro

stressed o between 7CV and 6CV

√¶

venňąt ÉÕ°√¶…§d, mumňąt ÉÕ°√¶…§t…§

result of vowel contraction

–ĺ–įÕ°

ňą Ék–ĺ–įÕ°l”ô

found in Romanian words

Approximants

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

j

ňąmoju

w

ňąim…§wmi

Consonants

The voiceless velar fricative x is regularly replaced by w in verbal endings, also in the pronoun 't ≤aw, but can be preserved in other positions: 'zax…§r.

Consonants are regularly palatalized before stressed e.

All but post-alveolar consonants have palatalized correlates. Palatalized consonants are regularly used in the final position.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically palatalized lateral is also post-alveolar but with more complete palatalization; that is, raising the tongue towards the hard palate.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

ňąp…§t ≤u

b

ňąbab…§t…§

f

ňąfan…§

v

ňąvinu

t

kupňątor

d

diňąt ÉÕ°a

s

uňąstan…§w

z

ňązet ≤u

tsÕ°

ňąkr…§snitsÕ°…§

dzÕ°

n…§ňądzÕ°at ≤

É

kuňąko Ék…§

∆∑

ňągu∆∑d…§mi

t ÉÕ°

ňąt ÉÕ°ak…§m

d∆∑Õ°

d∆∑Õ°ileňąza

k

ňąkan…§

g

ňągoni

x

ňązax…§r

rare

m

ňąmoju

n

ňąpra∆∑enu

r

ňąkrak

l

ňąg…§l…§be

l is slightly palatalized in all positions and palatalized before front vowels

Vowels

The six vowels i, e, a, …§, o, u are in the same positions as their standard counterparts. The stressed o may be raised to 7CV after velar consonants.

The vowel y replaces i in stressed syllables before labial consonants. In the same position, the vowel u with preceding palatalized consonant is also used.

The vowel …Į is used in Romanian words: 'ratsÕ°…Į.

Vowel reduction: unstressed a is reduced to …§, but final a is frequently unreduced. Unstressed …§ remains unchanged.

Unstressed o in most cases is reduced to u.

Unstressed e is alternatively preserved or reduced to i: 'rabutev”ô, se'gan”ô, ∆∑i'lezu. In word-final position, i is preferred, except in the plural of the article.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

a

k…§ňązant ÉÕ°i, piňąjava

final a frequently unreduced in the first speaker (female) Iana VlaŇücianu

i

ňąt ÉÕ°it ÉÕ°u

y

ňąnyv…§t…§

e

ňąveki

stressed e between 2CV and 3CV

…§

ňąv…§l ≤tsÕ°i

…Į

ňąratsÕ°…Į

found in Romanian words

u

ňąkurk…§

o

d…§ňąro, ňąkotel

stressed o between 7CV and 6CV after velar consonants

–ĺ–įÕ°

ňą Ék–ĺ–įÕ°rtsÕ°i

found in Romanian words

Approximants

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

j

ňąjedeni

w

ňąre∆∑ew…§

in free variation with ő≤ and v; v most frequent

Consonants

The voiceless velar fricative x is regularly replaced by w, ő≤, or v. In verbal endings, v is most frequent; x is rarely preserved: 'xub…§u.

Consonants are regularly palatalized before stressed e.

All but post-alveolar consonants have palatalized correlates. Palatalized consonants are regularly used in the final position.

The compensatory lengthened continuant consonants are in fact half-long most of the time but : rather than a single dot was chosen to indicate it uniformly.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically palatalized lateral is also post-alveolar but with more complete palatalization; that is, raising the tongue towards the hard palate.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

kuňąpan

b

buňąbo

ő≤

iňąpraeő≤a

in free variation with ő≤ and v; v most frequent

f

suňąfr…§

v

deňąvet

t

treňąv…§

d

ňądun…§v…§

s

ňąs…§mni

z

ňąz…§rnutu

tsÕ°

ufňątsÕ°…§

dzÕ°

ňąb…§rdzÕ°u

É

ňą Éin…§

∆∑

ňą∆∑en:te

t ÉÕ°

vit ÉÕ°eňąro

d∆∑Õ°

d∆∑Õ°iňąger ≤u

k

ňąk…§ru

g

pluňągo

x

ňąxub…§u

rare

m

ňąmladit ≤e

n

uňąp ≤ek…§n

r

ňąrabut…§

l

ňąmaslu

l is slightly palatalized in all positions and palatalized before front vowels

Approximants

in free variation with ő≤ and v in past-tense endings; ő≤ most frequent

Consonants

The voiceless velar fricative x is regularly replaced by w, ő≤, or v in verbal endings (also in words like 'strav), ő≤ being most frequent.

Consonants are regularly palatalized before stressed e.

All but post-alveolar consonants have palatalized correlates.

The compensatory lengthened continuant consonants are in fact half-long most of the time but : rather than a single dot was chosen to indicate it uniformly.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically palatalized lateral is also post-alveolar but with more complete palatalization; that is, raising the tongue towards the hard palate.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

ňąpla Ét…§v…§

b

ňąbop

ő≤

ňąpraeő≤a

in free variation with w and v in past-tense endings; ő≤ most frequent

f

ňąi Étef

v

ňąvik…§v…§

t

ňątati

d

ňądum…§m

s

ňąslivi

z

ziňąm…§t…§

tsÕ°

k…§ňąrutsÕ°i

dzÕ°

ňąbr…§ndzÕ°…§

É

ňąkru Éi

∆∑

ňą∆∑elti

t ÉÕ°

ňąt ÉÕ°etir

d∆∑Õ°

m…§ňąd∆∑Õ°un

k

ňąk…§k

g

ňągrozdi

m

muňąma

n

uňąno∆∑d…§

r

ňągrap…§t…§

l

ňąblagu

l is slightly palatalized in all positions and palatalized before front vowels

Vowels

The vowels i, e, a, …§, o, u are in the same positions as their standard counterparts, while the stressed o is raised to the region of 7CV and sometimes preceded by w. Stressed e is a reflex of jat, while etymological e is raised to i. Etymological i, except syllable-initially, is replaced by the so-called ‚Äújery‚ÄĚ, which is a closed central to back un-rounded vowel.

The vowel …õ appears rarely as a reflex of etymological ja in the palatal environment: zeňąm…õ.

Vowel reduction: unstressed a is reduced to …§, while unstressed …§ remains unchanged.

Unstressed o is reduced to u.

Unstressed e remains unchanged.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

a

ňądva, tuňągas

i

ňąsilu

…®

ňągr…®∆∑…§

frequently very retracted, approximating …Į

…Į

kuňąr…Įtutu

variant of …®

e

iňązede

stressed e between 2CV and 3CV

…§

urňątuv…§t

u

n…§ňątruf ≤et

o

kuňąko Ékite

stressed o between 6CV and 7CV

…õ

zeňąm…õ

rare reflex of etymological ja in palatal environment

–ĺ–įÕ°

ňąf–ĺ–įÕ°rte

found in Romanian words

Approximants

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

j

j…§ňądi

w

ňąpl ≤aw…§

Consonants

The voiceless velar fricative is lost or replaced by the palatal approximant j.

The approximant w replaces v between non-front vowels.

All but post-alveolar consonants have palatalized correlates, which can appear in word-final position. Palatalized t ≤ is replaced by k ≤. Palatalization before e is irregular and may be found in unstressed syllables: 'div ≤et, 'dis ≤et.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically palatalized lateral is also post-alveolar but with more complete palatalization; that is, raising the tongue towards the hard palate.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

pr…§ňąse

b

ňąbab…§t…§

f

ňąf…§rle

v

reňąvi

t

ňątr…§gn…§

d

ňądiv ≤et

s

ňąsol ≤

z

ňąz…®m…§

tsÕ°

uňąstsÕ°…§t…§

dzÕ°

ňąv…§rdzÕ°…§

É

ňąk…§ Ét…§t…§

∆∑

n…§ňąr ≤a∆∑e

t ÉÕ°

upeňąt ÉÕ°io

d∆∑Õ°

ňąd∆∑Õ°am

k

ňąkapr…§t…§

g

ňągrop…§

m

puňąmag…§m

n

n…§ňązat ≤

r

ňąranu

l

ňąlo É

l is slightly palatalized in all positions and palatalized before front vowels

Vowels

The vowels i, e, …§, a, u are in the same positions as their standard counterparts, the stressed e being between 2CV and 3CV. Stressed o is raised to 7CV and in the initial position can be preceded by w.

The vowel …® has been recorded in the word ma' É…®nite.

Long vowels appear after the loss of x in past-tense endings before consonants. The compensatory lengthening does not affect vowel quality.

Unstressed vowels in most cases keep their quality. Final unstressed …§ in feminine nouns can be interpreted as an unaltered generalized accusative ending rather than as a reduction of a.

Approximants

Consonants

The soft correlates of l and n are palatal rather than palatalized consonants: 'ko…≤e, vla'ku ée. The softness of n before front vowels is not automatic: '∆∑…§neme, 'tr…§…≤e.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ lateral has a palatal place of articulation.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

ňąplug…§

b

oňąbereme

f

ňąftas…§, ňąbufnitsÕ°a

v

ňąv…§rv…§

t

ňąstok

d

ňądr…§tite

s

sreňąd…§t…§

z

ňąze ée

tsÕ°

tsÕ°…§rňąno

É

ňą Éin…§

∆∑

ňą∆∑…§neme

t ÉÕ°

ňąsit ÉÕ°koto

d∆∑Õ°

patlaňąd∆∑Õ°anete

k

kukuňąrus

g

ňągodin

x

ňąxam…§

rare

m

moňątikata

n

ňąnekogi

…≤

ňąko…≤e, ňątr…§…≤e

palatal rather than palatalized soft correlate of n; not automatic before front vowels

r

ňąroden

l

ňąbel ňąluk

l is slightly palatalized in all positions and palatalized before front vowels

Approximants

Consonants

The combination of …§ and liquid consonants is sometimes on the verge of syllabic realization, but a …§-like vowel is always present, albeit short.

The soft correlates of l and n are palatal rather than palatalized consonants: 'ko…≤e, zem' é…§. The softness of n before front vowels is not automatic: 'fane, 'ko…≤e.

The loss of x is consistent, as well as the lengthening of the preceding vowel before consonants.

The palatalized t ≤ and d ≤ are replaced by k ≤ and g ≤.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ lateral has a palatal place of articulation.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

ňąpop…§

b

baňą Éteve

f

ňąfane

v

voňąlove

t

sveňąt…§

d

ňądeka

s

ňąsaka

z

zaňąmane

tsÕ°

deňątsÕ°a

dzÕ°

naňądzÕ°ade

É

ňąna Éo

∆∑

dr…§ňą∆∑…§t

t ÉÕ°

it ÉÕ°uňąmik

d∆∑Õ°

ňąd∆∑Õ°amite

k

ňąkoj

g

goňąri

m

ňąmladite

n

oňąni

…≤

ňąko…≤e, ňąt ÉÕ°uva…≤e

palatal rather than palatalized soft correlate of n; not automatic before front vowels

r

ňątri

l

uňąmrel

l is slightly palatalized in all positions and palatalized before front vowels

Approximants

Consonants

The soft correlates of l and n are palatal rather than palatalized consonants: ge'ra…≤e, ne'de éa. The softness of n before front vowels is not automatic: ne'de éa, ge'ra…≤e.

Palatalized t ≤ is replaced by k ≤.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ lateral has a palatal place of articulation.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

ňąpet

b

ňąbe Ée

f

ňąf…§rlim

v

vet ÉÕ°erňąt…§

t

ňątam

d

doveňąde Ée

s

ňąselo

z

ňąz…§rno

tsÕ°

dvoňąitsÕ°a

dzÕ°

naňądzÕ°ade

É

koňąko Éki

∆∑

goňąde∆∑…§

t ÉÕ°

monňąt ÉÕ°eta

d∆∑Õ°

t ÉÕ°erňąd∆∑Õ°e

k

ňąr…§k

g

ňąg…§ski

m

ňąmeso

n

ňąna Éto

…≤

geňąra…≤e, geňąra…≤…§, mladoňą∆∑e…≤…§k

palatal rather than palatalized soft correlate of n; not automatic before front vowels

r

ňąrizi

l

roňądila

l is slightly palatalized in all positions and palatalized before front vowels

Vowels

The vowels i, e, a, u are in the same positions as their standard counterparts. The stressed o is between 6CV and 7CV, though often raised approximately to 7CV. The vowel …§ has a raised variant …Į in the word 'g…Įski. The consonant context does not seem to be the reason for the raising, as …§ appears both after velar stops and before s.

Long vowels appear after the loss of x in past-tense endings before consonants. The compensatory lengthening does not affect vowel quality.

Approximants

Consonants

The soft correlates of l and n are palatal rather than palatalized consonants: 'ko…≤e, 'k éut ÉÕ°. The softness of n before front vowels is not automatic: 'nego, 'g…≤ezdoto.

Other palatalized consonants are extremely rare, as in 'tsÕ° ≤ala, with an atypical reflex of jat.

The progressive devoicing of v in words like 'kfo is regular.

The voiceless velar fricative x is consistently deleted.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ lateral has a palatal place of articulation.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

ňąp…§ti

b

ňąburen

f

ňąkfo

v

ňąkravite

t

deňąte

d

ňąduma

s

ňąsaka É

z

ňązaran

tsÕ°

ňąpilentsÕ°a

dzÕ°

idzÕ°eňąde

É

ňądo É…§l

∆∑

ňą∆∑ito

t ÉÕ°

ňąt ÉÕ°etiri

d∆∑Õ°

ňąpend∆∑Õ°ur

k

ňąkolata

g

ňąnego

m

ňąduma

n

ňąnigde

…≤

taňąva…≤e

palatal rather than palatalized soft correlate of n; not automatic before front vowels

r

ňąraloto

l

ňąmlat

l is slightly palatalized in all positions and palatalized before front vowels

Vowels

The vowels i, e, a, …§, u are in the same positions as their standard counterparts. The stressed o is raised in the region of 7CV and frequently is preceded by w.

The vowel …Į is used in Romanian words.

The vowel y appears rarely as a variant of i before labial and after post-alveolar consonants: '∆∑yw.

Vowel reduction: unstressed a is reduced to …§, but in the final position is frequently unreduced. The unstressed …§ remains unchanged. Unstressed o is reduced to u.

Unstressed e is in most cases unchanged.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

a

ňąsvaku

final a frequently unreduced in end of phrase

i

sinňątsÕ°i

e

ňąsestri

stressed e between 2CV and 3CV

…§

ňąg…§stu

…Į

ňąk…Įmpu

found in Romanian words

u

ňąturg…§

o

ňąbop

stressed o raised to 7CV and frequently with w in-glide

y

ňą∆∑yw

rare

Approximants

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

j

m…§ňąlaj

w

ňą Éiewa, ňąkwosmi

alternates with v in past-tense endings

Consonants

The voiceless velar fricative x is normally replaced by w or v in verbal endings, but h is also possible. It is preserved rarely before rounded vowels: xu'be, 'xora but 'bahur. The approximant w also replaces v before non-front un-rounded vowels and word-finally.

All but post-alveolar consonants have palatalized correlates. Palatalized consonants are regularly used in the final position. The palatalization of consonants before stressed e allows exceptions.

The compensatory lengthened continuant consonants are in fact half-long most of the time but : rather than a single dot was chosen to indicate it uniformly.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically palatalized lateral is also post-alveolar but with more complete palatalization; that is, raising the tongue towards the hard palate.

The palatal variant é appears before palatalized velar: 'ma éki.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

ňąpost

b

ňąbrat

f

ňąfa Ét…§t

v

treňąv…§

t

ňątati

d

d…§ňąsk…§

s

ňąsvabd…§

z

ňązag ≤uvezni

tsÕ°

ňątsÕ°v ≤at

dzÕ°

naňądzÕ°ade

É

minňągu Éi

∆∑

ňą∆∑ar

t ÉÕ°

ňąt ÉÕ°etk…§t…§

d∆∑Õ°

ňąferd∆∑Õ°…§

k

kr…§ňąko

g

ňąg…§l…§pte

x

x…§ňąb…§

rare

h

ňąbahur

rare

m

kaňąm…§k

n

siňąno

r

ňądor

l

kuňąlat…§

l is slightly palatalized in all positions and palatalized before front vowels

Vowels

The six vowels ‚Äď i, e, a, …§, o, u ‚Äď are in the same positions as their standard counterparts. Initial stressed o is preceded by w.

The vowel …® has been recorded only once, in the word preňąbit…®, and does not seem to be phonetically motivated in any way.

Vowel reduction: unstressed a is reduced to …§, while unstressed …§ remains unchanged. Unstressed o is reduced to u.

Unstressed e is frequently, but not always, reduced to i. In plural masculine endings and in the plural of the article, e is never reduced.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

a

ňąrapt…§

final a frequently unreduced in the first speaker Ion Raicu

i

ňąpit…§

e

ruňąden

stressed e between 2CV and 3CV

…§

n…§ňąv…§n

…®

preňąbit…®

only one example

u

ňądrug…§

o

ňąkozit ≤e

stressed o between 7CV and 6CV

–ĺ–įÕ°

ňą Ék–ĺ–įÕ°l…§

found in Romanian words

Approximants

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

j

ňąjeme Éu

w

ňąt ≤aw, ňąwo Ék…§t…§

initial v before r and l replaced by full vowel u

Consonants

The voiceless velar fricative x is regularly replaced by w in verbal endings and also in the pronoun ňąt ≤aw.

Compared to other Moesian dialects, the consonants are less frequently palatalized before stressed e. Palatalization is consistent in the plural of the article.

All but post-alveolar consonants have palatalized correlates. Palatalized consonants are regularly used in the final position.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically palatalized lateral is also post-alveolar but with more complete palatalization, that is raising the tongue towards the hard palate.

The palatal variant é appears before palatalized velar: 'jab…§ éki.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

ňąpopu

b

ňąb…§rdu

f

ňąfust…§

v

ňąv…§ln…§

t

ňątebe

d

ňąduli

s

siňąrak

z

k…§ňązanu

tsÕ°

ňątsÕ°veti

dzÕ°

dzÕ°indzÕ°iňąfile

É

ňą Éipkit ≤e

∆∑

ňąma∆∑im

t ÉÕ°

t ÉÕ°iňąre Éi

d∆∑Õ°

ňąd∆∑Õ°amu

k

kr…§ňąka

g

buňągat

m

ňąm…§ É

n

ňąnov…§

r

riňąv…§t

l

ňąplat

l is slightly palatalized in all positions and palatalized before front vowels

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

ňąpij…§t

b

t ÉÕ°urňąb…§

f

ňąfusti

v

ňąv…§ln…§

t

ňątuk…§

d

ňąd…§ É

s

ňąsut ÉÕ°…§

z

ňąlozitu

tsÕ°

ňąkatsÕ°…§

dzÕ°

duňądzÕ°en ≤…§

É

j…§ňąde Éi

∆∑

ňąpodnu∆∑i

t ÉÕ°

ňąt ÉÕ°u Éki

d∆∑Õ°

p…§nňąd∆∑Õ°atsÕ°i

k

ňąkara:me

g

ňągozb…§

m

m…§ňąmuliti

n

ňąnaze

r

ňąor…§

l

ňąblagu

l is slightly palatalized in all positions and palatalized before front vowels

Vowels

The vowels i, e, a, …§, u are in the same positions as their standard counterparts. The stressed o is raised in the region of 7CV.

Vowel reduction: unstressed a is reduced to …§, and unstressed …§ remains unchanged. Unstressed o is reduced to u.

Unstressed e is reduced to i.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

a

ňąbabit ÉÕ°k…§

i

guňądini

e

ňąjedene

stressed e between 2CV and 3CV

…§

vuňąd…§

u

ňątur ≤…§t

o

ňąsto

stressed o approximates 7CV

–ĺ–įÕ°

kutsÕ°iňąt–ĺ–įÕ°j…§

found in Romanian words

Approximants

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

j

ňąmajk…§

Consonants

The voiceless velar fricative x is preserved in past-tense endings.

All but post-alveolar consonants have palatalized correlates. Consonants, except for l, remain unpalatalized before stressed e.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically palatalized lateral is also post-alveolar but with more complete palatalization; that is, raising the tongue towards the hard palate.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

ňąpu Éek

b

n…§ňąbir…§ Ée

f

ňąfani Éi

v

ňąvremi

t

ur…§ňąt…§

d

diňątsÕ°a

s

ňąsve Éti

z

z…§buňąrav ≤…§

tsÕ°

ňąmesetsÕ°…§

dzÕ°

ňądzÕ°ar…§n

É

duňą Élele

∆∑

uňą∆∑eneti

t ÉÕ°

uňąt ÉÕ°if

d∆∑Õ°

p…§t…§lňąd∆∑Õ°eni

k

k…§ňąd ≤a

g

ňągore

x

ur…§ňątexmi

m

ňąim…§m

n

ňąna Éti

r

ňąkraviti

l

ňąvla Éki

l is slightly palatalized in all positions and palatalized before front vowels

Vowels

The six vowels ‚Äď i, e, a, …§, o, u ‚Äď are in the same positions as their standard counterparts. The vowel …§ has a raised variant …Į: t ÉÕ°i't…Į.

Vowel reduction: unstressed a is reduced to …§, and more rarely to ”ô, while unstressed …§ remains unchanged.

Unstressed o is reduced to u.

Unstressed e is reduced to i.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

a

iňąmaf

i

iňądin

e

ňązemi

stressed e between 2CV and 3CV

…§

vr…§ňąv…§t

”ô

ňąk…§ Ét”ô

unstressed a mostly reduced to …§ but sometimes to ”ô

…Į

t ÉÕ°iňąt…Į

raised variant of …§

u

ňąub”ôvu

o

ňąvod…§

stressed o between 7CV and 6CV

–ĺ–įÕ°

ňąf–ĺ–įÕ°rte

found in Romanian words

Approximants

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

j

ňątoj

Consonants

The velar fricative x is preserved, replaced by f, or deleted.

All but post-alveolar consonants have palatalized correlates. Consonants are palatalized before stressed e.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically palatalized lateral is also post-alveolar but with more complete palatalization; that is, raising the tongue towards the hard palate.

Before velar stops, a palatal lateral appears: gre'bu éki.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

ňąp…§t ≤e

b

ňąbefti

f

ňąflejmi

v

viňąd ≤a

t

t…§ňąvan ≤e

d

duňąde

s

ňąsit ÉÕ°kij…§

z

k…§ňąza

tsÕ°

iňątsÕ°at…§

dzÕ°

n…§ňądzÕ°at

É

kuňąko Ékiti

∆∑

muňą∆∑a

t ÉÕ°

muňąmit ÉÕ°i

d∆∑Õ°

p…§tl…§ňąd∆∑Õ°eni

k

kupňątor

g

biňąga

x

tuňąraxmi

m

ňąmen

n

ňąnie

r

tr…§gňąna

l

ňąbl…§i

l is slightly palatalized in all positions and palatalized before front vowels

Since the recordings from M√ĘnńÉst√≠rea have not been preserved, we show its sound system here tentatively, based on M. Mladenov‚Äôs transcription and the phonetic description of Transdanubian Moesian dialects in his book (–ú–Ľ–į–ī–Ķ–Ĺ–ĺ–≤, –ú. –°. 1993: 240‚Äď256).

Vowels

The vowels i, a, …§, u are in the same positions as their standard counterparts. The stressed e is normally between 2CV and 3CV, but sometimes is raised to 2CV. The stressed o is raised ‚Äď more frequently than e ‚Äď to 7CV, and, in initial position, is preceded by w.

Vowel reduction: unstressed a is reduced to ”ô in pre-stressed syllables and to ”ô or …§ in post-stressed syllables. The unstressed …§ remains unchanged.

Unstressed o is reduced to u.

Unstressed e is only occasionally reduced to i.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

a

uňąbad…§

i

ňąimi

e, eŐĚ

ňąreduvi, ňąd ≤eŐĚte

stressed e between 2CV and 3CV; sometimes raised to 2CV after palatalized consonant

Approximants

Consonants

The voiceless velar fricative x is generally replaced either by w or h, though is occasionally preserved.

All but post-alveolar consonants have palatalized correlates. Palatalized consonants are used in the word-final position. Palatalization of consonants before stressed e occurs frequently but not regularly.

The lateral consonant l has palatal variant é before a palatalized velar, as in 'ab…§ éki.

Final k is palatalized after a stressed front vowel.

The compensatory lengthened continuant consonants are in fact half-long most of the time but : rather than a single dot was chosen to indicate it uniformly.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

ňąpati

b

ňąbolin

f

f”ôňąmilij…§

v

ňąvat”ôli

t

ňątoplu

d

ňąd…§rt

s

ňąsin

z

ňąz…§m…§ É

tsÕ°

b…§bňąretsÕ°i

dzÕ°

ňądzÕ°ardzÕ°”ôli

É

seňąde Ée

∆∑

ňą∆∑itu

t ÉÕ°

t ÉÕ°iňąl ≤ak

d∆∑Õ°

d∆∑Õ°iňąger

k

ňąkraj

g

ňąga Éti

x

iňąs…§xv”ô

very rare

h

iňąs…§hne

m

p…§ňąmuk

n

t ÉÕ°eňąnet”ô

r

ňąrizi

l

ňąg…§l…§p

l is slightly palatalized in all positions and palatalized before front vowels

Approximants

Consonants

The voiceless velar fricative x in past-tense endings is replaced most frequently by h or sometimes by w, and is preserved word-initially before rounded vowels.

The voiced denti-alveolar affricate dzÕ° is in free variation with the voiced fricative z.

All but post-alveolar consonants have palatalized correlates. Palatalized consonants are used in the word-final position. Palatalization of consonants before stressed e occurs frequently but not regularly.

The compensatory lengthened continuant consonants are in fact half-long most of the time but : rather than a single dot was chosen to indicate it uniformly.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically palatalized lateral is also post-alveolar but with more complete palatalization; that is, raising the tongue towards the hard palate.

Before velar stops, a palatal lateral appears: 'bu éki.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

ňąplatnu

b

ňąbra Énu

f

p…§fňąti

v

ňąvardehmi

t

p…§rňąto

d

d…§ňąsk…§t…§

s

ňąsob…§t…§

z

ňązimnu

tsÕ°

ňątsÕ°veti

dzÕ°

ňąsv…§rdzÕ°v…§t

in free variation with z in such positions

É

ňąkum Éiite

∆∑

uňą∆∑en…§ti

t ÉÕ°

t ÉÕ°irňąvat…§

d∆∑Õ°

d∆∑Õ°iňąl ≤azu

k

ňąkr…§sniku

g

ňągosput ≤

x

ňąxor…§

rarely before rounded vowels

h

duňąhad ≤…§t

m

muňąstaki

n

ňąnene

r

ňąranu

l

ňąplatnu

l is slightly palatalized in all positions and palatalized before front vowels

Vowels

The six vowels are in the same positions as their standard counterparts. The stressed o is raised to 7CV after labial consonants. Initial stressed o is almost regularly preceded by w.

Unstressed vowels remain unchanged.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

a

ňąjaze, ňąpadne

i

ňąranim

e

ňąsnek

stressed e between 2CV and 3CV

…§

ňąv…§∆∑e

u

kukuňąrus

o

ňądom, ňąwoftsÕ°i

stressed o between 6CV and 7CV, more raised after labial consonants; initial stressed o preceded by w almost regularly

–ĺ–įÕ°

ňą Ék–ĺ–įÕ°l”ô

found in Romanian words

Approximants

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

j

ňąjeseno

w

ňąwog…§n

Consonants

The soft correlates of l and n are palatal rather than palatalized consonants: ko'…≤ete, 'ze ée. The softness of n before front vowels is not automatic: 'nemu, ko'…≤ete.

The loss of x is consistent.

The syllabic liquids are unstable and the vowel …§ may appear on either side of the liquid.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ lateral has a palatal place of articulation.

Vowels

The vowels i, e, a, …§, u are in the same positions as their standard counterparts, while the stressed o is raised to the region of 7CV.

Stressed e is a reflex of jat, while etymological e is raised to i. Etymological i, except syllable-initially, is replaced by the so called ‚Äújery‚ÄĚ, which is a closed central to back un-rounded vowel. Compared to the other Pavlikjani dialect in the Corpus, Ci√≥plea, the variant approximating …Į is more frequent.

Vowel reduction: unstressed a is reduced to …§, while unstressed …§ remains unchanged.

Unstressed o is reduced to u.

Unstressed e remains unchanged.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

a

ňąmalku

i

beňąrime

…®

ňą∆∑…®tu

frequently very retracted, approximating …Į

…Į

b…§ Éňąk…Į

raised variant of …§

e

ňąvre∆∑ite

stressed e between 2CV and 3CV

…§

ňąd…§rti

u

ňąpu Éek ≤

o

ňąstok

stressed o approximates 7CV

–ĺ–įÕ°

ňąp–ĺ–įÕ°rte

found in Romanian words

Approximants

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

j

toňąjagata

w

ňąw…§rd∆∑Õ°…®m

Consonants

The voiceless velar fricative is lost or replaced by the palatal approximant j.

The approximant w replaces v before non-front vowels.

All but post-alveolar consonants have palatalized correlates, which can appear in the word-final position. Palatalized t ≤ is replaced by k ≤.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

Vowels

The six vowels are in the same positions as their standard counterparts.

Long vowels appear after the loss of x in past-tense endings before consonants, though forms without lengthening have also been recorded: se'deme, rabo'time. The compensatory lengthening does not affect vowel quality.

Unstressed vowels keep their quality.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

a

ňąraloto

i

ňąkitki

e

ňąselo

stressed e between 2CV and 3CV

…§

ňąm…§t…§t

u

ňąburen

o

ňąkopame

stressed o between 6CV and 7CV

Ó°č:

ňąima:me, ňąbu:lka

x deletion compensated by lengthening of preceding vowel in past-tense forms only after the vowel a; vowels occasionally long before l

Approximants

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

j

jaňądem

Consonants

The loss of the velar fricative x is complete.

The soft correlates of l and n are palatal rather than palatalized consonants. The softness of n before front vowels is not automatic: 'stane, ka'za…≤e. The palatal nasal …≤ also appears before palatalized velar stops: koňąpa…≤k ≤a.

The syllabic liquids are unstable and the vowel …§ may appear on either side of the liquid.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ lateral has a palatal place of articulation.

Vowels

The vowels i, …§, a, u are in the same positions as their standard counterparts. The stressed e is between 2CV and 3CV and occasionally is raised to 2CV. The stressed o is between 7CV and 6CV, though rarely raised to 7CV. Initial stressed o is regularly preceded by w.

Unstressed vowels generally keep their quality, only o is sporadically reduced to u.

Approximants

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

j

ňąjaze

w

ňąwodim

Consonants

The soft correlates of l and n are palatal rather than palatalized consonants. The softness of n before front vowels is not automatic: fa'nela, 'sire…≤e. Palatalized alveolar lateral é appears before palatalized velars, as in 'jab…§ éki.

The syllabic liquids are unstable and the vowel …§ may appear on either side of the liquid. Syllabic liquids are more frequent.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ lateral has a palatal place of articulation.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

ňąper…§t

b

ňąbeli É

f

faňąbela

v

vaňątalite

t

ňątikva

d

doňą É…§l

s

ňąsodata

z

ňąriza

tsÕ°

ňątsÕ°vek ≤e

É

ňąstra Éni

∆∑

ňą∆∑ito

t ÉÕ°

t ÉÕ°oňąrape

d∆∑Õ°

marňąd∆∑Õ°inata

k

koňątela

g

ňąg…§ska

m

m…§ňąlaj

n

ňąnego

…≤

duňąze…≤…§

palatal rather than palatalized soft correlate of n; not automatic before front vowels

Vowels

The vowels i, e, …§, a, u are in the same positions as their standard counterparts. The stressed o is between 7CV and 6CV, though rarely raised to 7CV.

Long vowels appear after the loss of x in past-tense endings before consonants. The compensatory lengthening does not affect vowel quality. Unlike most of the dialects of the same group, long vowels appear word-finally: 'voze:, 'su Ée:.

Unstressed vowels keep their quality.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

a

ňąsaka

i

ňązime

e

ňąstegne

stressed e between 2CV and 3CV

…§

ňąp…§ti

u

ňągu Éi

o

ňąkokal

stressed o between 6CV and 7CV; rarely raised to 7CV

–ĺ–įÕ°

aňąpr–ĺ–įÕ°pe

found in Romanian words

Ó°č:

ňąte:noto, ňąvoze:

x deletion compensated by lengthening of preceding vowel

Approximants

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

j

ňąjagne

Consonants

The soft correlates of l and n are palatal rather than palatalized consonants. The softness of n before front vowels is not automatic: 'stegne, bur'ka…≤e.

Patatalized t is replaced by palatalized k: ňątsÕ°vek ≤eta.

The syllabic liquids are unstable and the vowel …§ may appear on either side of the liquid.

The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

preňądea

b

b…§ňą Éta

f

k…§rňątofe

v

ňąvent ÉÕ°a É

t

t…§ňąt ÉÕ°e Ée

d

ňądedo

s

ňąsukalo

z

zeňąm…§

tsÕ°

ňątsÕ°elina

dzÕ°

ňądzÕ°adno

É

ňą Éiena

∆∑

∆∑eňąnite

t ÉÕ°

ňąt ÉÕ°u Éki

d∆∑Õ°

d∆∑Õ°amňąle

k

koňątak

g

ňąga Éti

m

moňąmite

n

ňąnegi

…≤

burňąka…≤e

palatal rather than palatalized soft correlate of n; not automatic before front vowels

Vowels

The six vowels are in the same positions as their standard counterparts.

Unlike other dialects from the same group, the loss of x is not compensated by lengthening of the preceding vowel.

Unstressed vowels keep their quality.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

a

ňądale

i

slaňąninite

e

ňąmeso

stressed e between 2CV and 3CV

…§

ňąb…§de

u

oňąpu Éim

o

ňąko∆∑a

stressed o between 6CV and 7CV

–ĺ–įÕ°

aňąpr–ĺ–įÕ°pe

found in Romanian words

Approximants

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

j

ňąjagneto

Consonants

The voiceless velar fricative x is completely lost.

The soft correlates of l and n are palatal rather than palatalized consonants. The softness of n before front vowels is not automatic: 'v…§rne, 'sire…≤e.

The syllabic liquids are unstable and the vowel …§ may appear on either side of the liquid.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ lateral has a palatal place of articulation.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

ňąplatno

b

ňąbea

f

uniňąformata

v

ňąvreme

t

ňątam

d

ňądod…§t

s

ňąsvarim

z

zeňąlen

tsÕ°

k…§rňąnatsÕ°i

dzÕ°

ňądzÕ°ardzÕ°ali

É

ňąstro Éim

∆∑

naňąre∆∑…§t

t ÉÕ°

t ÉÕ°urňąb…§

d∆∑Õ°

patliňąd∆∑Õ°a…≤…§

k

ňąko…≤e

g

ňągodev…§t

m

miňąname

n

ňąbra Éno

…≤

ňąsire…≤e

palatal rather than palatalized soft correlate of n; not automatic before front vowels

Approximants

Consonants

The soft correlates of l and n are palatal rather than palatalized consonants: i'ma…≤eto, 'so é. The softness of n before front vowels is not automatic: 'digne, 'sire…≤e.

The voiced denti-alveolar affricate is not present in the records, but no claim is made that it is not in the inventory.

Syllabic liquids are unstable and the vowel …§ may appear on either side of the liquid.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality.

The phonologically ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ lateral has a palatal place of articulation.

Vowels

The vowels i, e, …§, a, u are in the same positions as their standard counterparts. The stressed o is raised and approximates 7CV.

Long vowels appear after the loss of x in past-tense endings before consonants. The compensatory lengthening does not affect vowel quality. Unlike most of the dialects of the same group, long vowels appear word-finally: 'ide:, '∆∑…§ne:.

Approximants

Consonants

The soft correlates of l and n are palatal rather than palatalized consonants. The softness of n before front vowels is not automatic: 'fane, 'sire…≤e.

Palatalized t and d are replaced by palatalized k and g: ňągrozg ≤e.

The syllabic liquids are unstable and the vowel …§ may appear on either side of the liquid.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality.

The phonologically ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ lateral has a palatal place of articulation.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

ňąprela

b

ňąbop

f

buňąfet…§

v

ňąvari

t

ňąt…§nko

d

ňądako

s

ňąsipeme

z

ňąnaze

tsÕ°

ňąjag…§ntsÕ°e

É

ňąko É

∆∑

m…§ňą∆∑ete

t ÉÕ°

ňąt ÉÕ°etina

k

ňąko Éara

g

ňągrozg ≤e

m

ňąmaslo

n

ňąnet ÉÕ°…§t

…≤

ňąsire…≤e

palatal rather than palatalized soft correlate of n; not automatic before front vowels

Vowels

The six vowels are in the same positions as their standard counterparts.

Long vowels appear after the loss of x in past-tense endings before consonants. The compensatory lengthening does not affect vowel quality. Forms with lengthening are very rare compared to other western dialects in the Corpus.

Approximants

Consonants

The soft correlates of l and n are palatal rather than palatalized consonants: ko'…≤ite, 'ko éame. The softness of n before front vowels is not automatic: ko'netsÕ°, 'doe…≤e.

The palatalized t is replaced by palatalized k: 'brak ≤a.

The loss of x is consistent.

The syllabic liquids are unstable and the vowel …§ may appear on either side of the liquid.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ lateral has a palatal place of articulation.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

poňąmagam

b

ňąburtata

f

ňąprafove

v

naňąvam

t

ňątoplo

d

ňądini

s

ňąsreda

z

ňązel

tsÕ°

tsÕ°eňąva

dzÕ°

dzÕ°viňąz…§k

É

zaňą Éie

∆∑

ňąko∆∑ata

t ÉÕ°

parňąt ÉÕ°eta

d∆∑Õ°

ňąd∆∑Õ°uki

k

ňąkatsÕ°ata

g

ňąg…§ski

m

meňąsoto

n

ňąnema

…≤

ňądoe…≤e

palatal rather than palatalized soft correlate of n; not automatic before front vowels

Vowels

The vowels i, a, …§, u are in the same positions as their standard counterparts. Stressed e is raised frequently and approximates 2CV. Stressed o is normally between 6CV and 7CV, though is sometimes raised to 7CV.

Vowel reduction: unstressed a is reduced to …§ or ”ô. Word-final a may remain unchanged. Unstressed …§ remains unchanged. Unstressed o is reduced to u. Unstressed e is frequently, but not always, reduced to i.

Approximants

most frequent replacement of x in past-tense endings, except the informant in third text Nicolina Lene who has h

Consonants

The voiceless velar fricative x is replaced by w or h in verbal endings. In other positions h is the regular replacement.

All but post-alveolar consonants have palatalized correlates. Palatalized consonants are regularly used in final position.

Compared to other Moesian dialects, the consonants are less frequently palatalized before stressed e.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality. The palatalization is stronger before front vowels.

The phonologically palatalized lateral is also post-alveolar but with more complete palatalization; that is, raising the tongue towards the hard palate.

The palatal variant é appears before palatalized velars: 'ma éki.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

ňąpusti

b

uňąbir…§mi

f

p…§nňątofi

v

ňąvremi

t

ňątam

d

doňąma

s

ňąsenne

z

ňąz…§m…§t

tsÕ°

venňątsÕ°i

dzÕ°

ňądzÕ°urnite

É

ňąk…§ Éti

∆∑

ňą∆∑eni

t ÉÕ°

t ÉÕ°uňąbanu

d∆∑Õ°

kuňąd∆∑Õ°aku

k

kaňąv ≤ore

g

ňągu∆∑d”ôm

h

j”ôňąd ≤ah”ô

in the informant in third text Nicolina Lene

m

muňąmat…§

n

ňąnegu

r

ňąrapt…§

l

ňąg…§l…§bi

l is slightly palatalized in all positions and palatalized before front vowels

Approximants

Consonants

The soft correlates of l and n are palatal rather than palatalized consonants. The softness of n before front vowels is not automatic: '∆∑…§ne:me, 'jade…≤e.

Palatalized t and d are replaced by palatalized k and g: 'peg ≤e.

The syllabic liquids are unstable and the vowel …§ may appear on either side of the liquid.

There are two lateral phonemes which, following the tradition, could be termed ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ and ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ (or phonologically palatalized). The ‚Äúhard‚ÄĚ lateral consonant l before non-front vowels is retracted to the post-alveolar region and palatalized, but not to the same degree as the phonologically soft l. This variant is very close to the lateral consonant pronounced before front vowels in the standard language and has a distinct ‚Äúclear‚ÄĚ acoustic quality.

The phonologically ‚Äúsoft‚ÄĚ lateral has a palatal place of articulation.

IPA symbol

Examples

Notes

p

praňąila

b

biňąla

f

k…§rňątofe

v

ňąd…§rveno

t

oraňątila

d

ňądumat

s

sedemdeňąset

z

ňąvoze:me

tsÕ°

zeňąmitsÕ°a

dzÕ°

dzÕ°…§r…§nňąt…§

É

ňąvla Éki

∆∑

m…§ňą∆∑ete

t ÉÕ°

oňąt ÉÕ°ite

d∆∑Õ°

op…§nňąd∆∑Õ°atsÕ°i

k

ňąmorkove

g

ňągozba

m

meňąt ÉÕ°e

n

naňąpalim

…≤

ňąjade…≤e

palatal rather than palatalized soft correlate of n; not automatic before front vowels